FOXBOROUGH, Mass.—There was a glimmer of hope going into the New England Patriots’ Sunday night matchup against the San Francisco 49ers—the second “showdown” game in as many weeks for the Patriots—that All-Pro tight end Rob Gronkowski might be able to defy the odds and be on the field.

That hope was dashed, though, as Gronkowski was officially listed as inactive by the Pats.

Gronkowski broke his left forearm in a win over the Indianapolis Colts on Nov. 18. He returned to practice this week and was listed on the injury report as “questionable,” fueling speculation that he might play Sunday night. Gronkowski has averaged 5.3 catches and 74.8 yards per game, and has caught 10 touchdowns in 10 games.

It would have been a surprise had Gronkowski played because the Patriots were expected to be cautious with his injury. There has been speculation that they may keep him out until the playoffs.